In this empowering episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, dives deep into the confidence-crushing habit of comparing yourself to others—especially during exam prep for the LCSW and LMSW. Learn why focusing on someone else’s journey fuels test anxiety and kills motivation, and discover proven strategies to break free from the comparison cycle. Shara shares real, uplifting advice to help you celebrate your unique progress, refocus your energy, and reclaim your confidence as you work toward social work licensure.

Follow for more social work exam prep tips and book a consultation to stay supported on your journey!

In this empowering episode of the Journey to Licensure® Podcast, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, shares real-world tips for setting boundaries, beating distractions, and reclaiming your focus while preparing for your social work licensure exam. Learn how to communicate your needs, create a distraction-free study zone, and prioritize your goals without guilt—essential skills for LCSW and LMSW exam success. Shara’s uplifting advice will help you protect your study time, boost your confidence, and move closer to that passing score. Follow for more social work exam prep strategies or book a consult to get personalized support on your licensure journey!

In this empowering episode of the Journey to Licensure® Podcast, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, tackles the all-too-common fear of failing the social work licensure exam. Shara breaks down how test anxiety can sabotage your efforts—and shares practical strategies to shift from fear to preparation with a structured exam prep plan. Discover how to replace worry with confidence, master proven study techniques, and walk into your LCSW or LMSW exam ready to succeed.

Ready to take the next step toward exam success? Follow for more expert social work exam tips or book a consult with Shara today!

Feeling left behind by study groups or struggling to stay motivated on your licensure journey? In this uplifting episode of Journey to Licensure®, we unravel why traditional study groups often fall short—and how real, ongoing accountability can be your game-changer. Georgia James shares honest insights into the power of guidance, connection, and tailored support systems for LCSW and LMSW candidates battling test anxiety and isolation.

Ready to stop starting over? Discover empowering, actionable strategies and follow for more social work exam prep tips—or book a consult to get the accountability and guidance you deserve.

In this eye-opening episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin, LCSW, reveals why knowing the content isn’t enough to pass your ASWB, LCSW, or LMSW exam—and what you really need instead. Discover the powerful difference between memorizing facts and applying real-world critical thinking, plus get Shara’s top strategy for breaking down tricky questions with confidence. If test anxiety or frustration with practice scores is holding you back, this episode is your breakthrough moment.

Tune in for empowering social work exam prep tips, and book a free consult to start your own journey to exam success. Follow for more practical advice and uplifting support for your licensure goals!

In this inspiring episode of the Journey To Licensure® Podcast, Shara Ruffin interviews Nicki Sanders, MSW — Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting. With over 20 years in nonprofit leadership and career development, Nicki shares how social workers can align their careers with their lives, advocate for themselves, and build sustainable, purpose-driven paths.

🎧 Tune in as we explore:

• Redefining social work beyond clinical roles

• Strategies for career clarity, credibility, and capacity

• Leading and mentoring across generations

• Why macro social work offers limitless opportunities

This episode is a must-listen for social workers ready to lead, grow, and create lasting impact.

🎧 Now streaming on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

From Columbia University to Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Erica Stewart, LCSW, didn’t just pass her exam—she rewrote the narrative for bilingual, first-generation social workers everywhere.

She came to me emotionally drained, balancing two full-time jobs, raising a toddler and a college-aged child, caring for her mother and a sick dog—all while fighting through burnout, test anxiety, and self-doubt.

But behind every setback was a woman who refused to stay down.

She followed her customized study plan, took breaks when life hit hard, leaned on coaching, and trusted her inner knowing.

🧠 Her Columbia degree didn’t make the exam easier.

💥 Her resilience did.

Now she holds the title LCSW, and no one can take that from her.

Erica, you are living proof that your past struggles do not disqualify you—they prepare you to lead.

And to every social worker who feels like giving up—this is your reminder that your breakthrough might be one brave decision away.

In this inspiring episode of the Journey To Licensure® Podcast, Shara Ruffin welcomes Dr. Olymphia “Dr. O” O’Neale, LCSW — Founder of Through My Lens Consulting® and 2024 NASW Emerging Leader Award recipient.

Dr. O shares her journey from aspiring attorney to powerhouse social work leader, blending personal experiences with infertility and loss into a mission of advocacy, education, and empowerment. With humor, authenticity, and boldness, she challenges social workers to lead, heal, and disrupt systems for change.

🎙️ Highlights include:

• Navigating grief, resilience, and purpose in social work

• Why authenticity is a superpower in advocacy and education

• Practical ways to embed cultural competence daily

• Building a brand rooted in service, story, and social impact

• Why giving yourself grace fuels true leadership

If you’re ready to be inspired and called into action, this conversation is for you!

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!

In this heartfelt episode of Journey to Licensure, Shara Ruffin sits down with Ms. Greer, an anti-trafficking advocate, to unpack the raw realities of balancing life’s challenges while preparing for the LCSW exam. Ms. Greer opens up about how moving, job pressures, and personal loss impacted her study routine and mindset, and why it’s okay to pause and prioritize self-care. Shara offers empowering strategies for regaining focus and making exam prep work through adversity, reminding listeners that acknowledging your needs is a crucial step toward success.

In this episode, Shara Ruffin talks with JaChe “Chey” Peaks, LMSW—licensed social worker, PRN behavioral health assessor, and founder of Soulful Path Career Coaching. JaChe shares her powerful journey from conducting suicide assessments in correctional settings to coaching Black social workers through career transitions, burnout, and salary negotiations.

They dive into the importance of mentorship, self-care, and aligning your career with your values—plus real talk on navigating the emotional toll of correctional mental health work.

If you’re a social worker looking for purpose, clarity, or the courage to pivot, this episode is for you.